Ok, everything being said, I DEFINITELY wouldn't powdercoat a radiator. You will be clogging the passages where air should flow, and you will be insulating a product you do NOT want insulated.

Anodizing the radiator would be a much better idea, as it does not add a layer of material ON the aluminum, but rather impregnates the aluminum with a color/dye.

Think of your body as a radiator. Powdercoating would be like covering your body w/paint, limiting the release of heat. Anodizing would be like getting a tattoo- you still maintain the heat releasing properties of your skin.

Wow. What a strange comparison.

 

But it is a good comparison.

Ryan

 

^^
A very nice comparison!

I was able to locate an anodizing shop about 3.5hrs away from my home. I might drop them a line to ask about doing a radiator to see what they have to say.

 

Wonder what it takes to anodize

 

http://www.focuser.com/atm/anodize/anodize99.html


Powder coating:
http://www.finishing.com/Library/pennisi/powder.html

 

anodizing the rad will harden it a little, making it less succeptable to rock dents. It shouldn't affect the thermodynamics. This is the way to go, and is the only method of coloring an intercooler (and rad too I suppose) used by any manufacturer that I have ever seen.